Invisalign Specialist

Japantown Dental

Alex H. Mendoza, D.D.S.

Cosmetic, Family and General Dentistry located in San Jose, CA

If you have a misaligned jaw or overcrowded and crooked teeth, consider Invisalign®. Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that uses removable aligners to improve the appearance of your smile. At Japantown Dental in San Jose, California, Alex Mendoza, DDS, and the team use Invisalign to help individuals achieve good oral health and proper tooth alignment. To schedule an appointment, book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a friendly staff member today.

Invisalign Q&A

What is Invisalign®?

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Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that’s more discreet than traditional braces. Instead of using rubber bands and wires, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of nearly invisible mouthpieces. 

The mouthpieces are made of SmartTrack®, an FDA-approved thermoplastic that’s free of gluten, BPS, and latex. This makes treatment safe for pregnant women and people with allergies.

What orthodontic issues can Invisalign correct?

The team at Japantown Dental typically recommends Invisalign to correct mild and moderate orthodontic issues, including:

  • Gaps between your teeth
  • Overcrowding
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite

You may also benefit from orthodontic treatment with Invisalign if you have a crooked or misaligned jaw.

What is the Invisalign treatment process?

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Invisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive exam at Japantown Dental. During your appointment, the team reviews your oral health history, asks about your goals for treatment, and conducts a thorough exam. 

Next, they take digital impressions of your teeth and upload them to a special computer program. The computer program allows the team to map the step-by-step movements of your smile. 

After approving your custom treatment plan, your impressions are sent to a dental lab that creates your first set of aligners.

A week or two later, you return to Japantown Dental. You try on your first set of aligners and begin wearing them 20-22 hours each day.

How long does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign take?

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign usually takes 6-12 months. For people with more severe alignment issues, treatment can take up to 18 months. 

To achieve the best possible outcome, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, and only take your aligners out to eat or brush and floss. 

After you’re finished wearing the Invisalign aligners, you transition to a retainer. You wear the retainer for about a year to keep your teeth from moving out of place.

Do I need to clean my Invisalign aligners?

Clean your aligners regularly. The team at Japantown Dental recommends rinsing them with cool tap water at least twice a day. 

Before going to bed at night, brush your aligners with toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. For more comprehensive cleanings, ask the team about the Invisalign Cleaning System.

To learn more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, schedule an appointment at Japantown Dental. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a friendly staff member today.